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Aston Villa: Steven Nzonzi transfer links excite fans during January transfer window
In what has been a reasonably quiet January transfer window across the Premier League, Aston Villa have proven to be rather busy bees as they attempt to retain their place in the top division. Indeed, back amongst the elite on these shores, their return has not exactly gone to plan so far.
Obviously, a brutal festive period saw them lose both Tom Heaton and Wesley to season-ending injuries. As a result, they’ve already brought in experienced goalkeeper Pepe Reina to cover Heaton on a short-term deal and title-winner Danny Drinkwater to shore up their midfield after the blow surrounding John McGinn.
Regardless of injuries, Dean Smith’s side needed reinforcements. As we stand, Villa are currently languishing in the Premier League’s relegation zone, so even though they spent over £100 million in the summer, they’ll need to be active once more amid the threat of FFP sanction, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Arguably, Villa’s biggest weakness this season has been a leaky defence. In fact, they’ve actually conceded 43 in their 22 games, with only strugglers Norwich having let in more. So, perhaps naturally, they’re being linked with defensive-minded players to try and put that right.
One of those players is former Blackburn and Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi, according to the Mirror. The 31-year-old is currently plying his trade at Galatasaray, but hasn’t featured since early December through suspension and has previous on these shores given his stints with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
So far this season, the 6 foot 5 Frenchman is showing a resolute side to his game in the Champions League. While the Turkish giants are likely to have lesser defensive duties given their status in that country, his 1.6 tackles would see him rank sixth-highest in the Villa squad and his 1.2 blocks would see him rank in the top four, as per WhoScored.
Naturally, Villa fans may well be desperate for signings, so they were excited by this news, with one even praising his ‘nastiness’ in central midfield. Here’s how some of them reacted:
@samkhoury_ This would be phenomenal
— Steve Lowe (@Steve__Lowe) January 14, 2020
Would be happy with that. Haven’t played since early december, but tall, competitive and strong player who has loads of experience and a bit of nastiness in him. I would be happy.
— Chrsmo (@Chrsmo) January 14, 2020
This would make a massive difference for us
— Antwilkes (@Antwilkes1) January 14, 2020
I’d defo take this guy, big strong tackling centre mid that we are lacking 🦁⚽️👍🏻 #avfc
— B_RYE (@1_COOKIE__1) January 14, 2020
One player I have always rated and would love to see him at VP
— Darren Avfc Judge (@dazjudge) January 14, 2020
Get him in. Quality player. Would be a brilliant addition.
— Paul Brookes (@Brookesy1986) January 14, 2020
Would you back a move for Nzonzi? Join the discussion by commenting below…
